What does it all mean?

Have you ever walked into the chapel on a Sunday morning and wondered, "Why are the banners red today?" or "What do these candles represent?" Whether you’ve been attending church for years or are new to worship, it’s natural to have questions about the symbols, colors, and practices we use during our services.

This page is here to guide you through the meaning behind the elements of our worship. From seasonal colors to sacred objects, we hope this resource deepens your understanding and enriches your experience as we come together in praise and reflection.

THE SANCTUARY

The sanctuary design is to draw our focus to the altar and cross in order to remember both the promise of Christ's presence today in the elements of bread and wine but also how salvation was achieved through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross for our sins. Holy Communion is a meal intended for those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died for our sins and was raised and now is seated at the right hand of God.

CANDLES

Candles are used during worship to be a visual reminder of Christ as the light of the world. They are lit when we have Holy Communion. The altar candles are lit at the beginning of the service. The paschal candle is located primarily at the baptismal font. It is lit during baptisms, funerals, and the Season of Easter. We also light this candle on Good Friday since we do not have a Christ candle.

PARAMENTS

TYPES:

For the altar, lectern and pulpit
Pall covers a casket or urn, symbolizing resurrection

COLORS:

White: the color of light, gladness and joy in Christ. It is used for festivals of Christmas & it's season, Name of Jesus, Epiphany, Baptism, Presentation and Transfiguration of our Lord. White is also used for the festivals of Holy Trinity and All Saints.
Green: the color of growth, used during the time after Epiphany and the time after Pentecost to represent our growth in the Christian way of life and thought.

Blue: the preferred color for Advent because it is the color of hope, a central theme of Advent.
Purple: the color of Lent, in remembrance of the royalty of Christ who reigns from the cross.
Red: used for the day of Pentecost and festivals associated with the Holy Spirit and the power of the Spirit in the lives of the saints. It is also used for days celebrating events in the church, such as Reformation, ordination, and church anniversaries.

PROVIDENCE LUTHERAN CHURCH

Lexington, South Carolina

What does it all mean?

THE SANCTUARY

NARTHEX

NAVE

CHANCEL

This is a raised platform in front of the nave or near the middle of a centralized space. Generally, the altar and pulpit are in this section.

ALTAR

PULPIT

LECTERN

CANDLES

FLOWERS

BAPTISMAL FONT

The font is located on the right-hand side of the sanctuary space and remains covered when there is no baptism.

PARAMENTS

TYPES:

For the altar, lectern and pulpit

Pall covers a casket or urn, symbolizing resurrection

COLORS:

White: the color of light, gladness and joy in Christ. It is used for festivals of Christmas & it's season, Name of Jesus, Epiphany, Baptism, Presentation and Transfiguration of our Lord. White is also used for the festivals of Holy Trinity and All Saints.

Green: the color of growth, used during the time after Epiphany and the time after Pentecost to represent our growth in the Christian way of life and thought.

What does it all mean?​

THE SANCTUARY​

​

What does it all mean?

THE SANCTUARY